PCW Phase Eight: Veterinarian's Hospital

The UIC Pavillion in Chicago was alive with chatter. Once again they had gotten closer to a full house and it seemed only a matter of time before there was a person for every seat in the building. A group or two were all dressed to match one another.

As soon as the first notes of The Phoenix by Fall Out Boy began playing, the large majority of the crowd began singing along with it. When the first chorus began, the announcer of the show, Louden Noxious came running out. He grinned and mouthed along with the song animatedly as he made his way up the ramp, holding the mic out toward the closest members of the audience, letting them be heard. He pulled himself up onto the apron and under the second rope.

The red and orange lights were flashing over the ramp, illuminating Louden and then the ring itself while the volume of the audience rose.

Hellllooo, Chicago! Welcome back for another fun-filled night of wrestling here at the UIC Pavillion with me and the rest of the PCW family. Tonight is going to be a treat for everyone who has been following along and those that haven't too. You'll all notice the surprise soon enough, but for now, we're going to get right into this because we don't have a minute to spare. So without further ado, here comes first match that's set for one fall!

He raised his mic as the lights changed and then rolled out of the ring to take his place by commentary.

Frankie Valentine vs Samoa Joe

The first few notes of “I Will Not Bow” hit and the crowd perked up, anxious to see the owner of the Breaking Benjamin tune as the titantron loads. The cheers quickly split to boos, albeit a few groups of fans, as Frankie Valentine’s name and face appear and she sauntered out of the curtain with her hands up, making a turn to show herself off and flexed, before walking down the ramp. She slid into the ring and up on the turnbuckle and flexed her arms again with a smirk on her face, hopping down to get ready for her opponent.

"Destroyer" by CFO$ hit and Samoa Joe’s music went out to the entrance ramp, seeming unamused and unimpressed as he always was, but with a mission. His signature towel around his neck, he heads down the rampway fairly quickly, ignoring the loud chants of his name in the crowd as he glared down Frankie who was prepared for their match in the ring. Joe got up the steps and then in the ring, going for his signature two fingers in the air to get the crowd riled up and remind that that joe is here on a mission, and that mission is to always do as much damage as possible. 

The two competitors sized each other up for a few fleeting moments. It looked like there may be a handshake between them. The size difference between the two of them was notable but the smaller opponent did not appear daunted by the man across from her. She surged forward and the pair of them met in the middle for a forceful looking lockup.

Joe broke the lockup in swift order by hooking his arm around her neck, using his size advantage to force Frankie into a standing headlock. She jerked in the grip to find her proper footing, the color rising to her face. Something shifted in her expression and she turned in his powerful grip, using her own considerable strength to shove him away and into the turnbuckle.

The two were so focused on each other that they couldn't hear the reactions from the crowd that were erupting with every move. For several minutes, the two of them fought, each giving as good as they got. They were very nearly matching move for move with one another.

Frankie found a break in the stride of the match and ran for the ropes. She turned and bounced back over them, hitting the Saint Valentine's Day Massacre on Samoa Joe, bringing the big man down. He was only phased for one count, however, and Frankie sat up, looking astonished but as she was trying to recompose Joe recovered. He saw his moment and wrapped his legs around her waist and legs, arm going around her neck catching her in his Coquina Clutch. Frankie's face went red and she held out as long as she could, looking for a way out. In her desperation, she was forced to tap.

Joe looked proud of himself as he strode confidently out of the ring to the cheers of the fans. Frankie shouted, furious at yet another loss and stormed out of the ring to the back, looking very much like she had a bone to pick with someone.

Louden stood from commentary and gave Frankie a wide berth with an expression on his face that very clearly read as "Yikes" before he pulled himself back up into the ring, bringing the mic in front of him as soon as he was standing.

What a way to start our Valentines day show, am I right Flockers?

Immediately he was met with a rise of cheers and reaction from the mass of people present.

And that's just the start. We're going to keep this little shindig rolling with another singles contest and surprise surprise, it too is set for one fall!

He gesticulated at the ramp again and rolled out of the ring.

Eve Torres vs Brandi Rhodes

"Goin' in" started to play and the audience remained behind Brandi Rhodes, since her debut match. She'd been relentlessly training and all her hard work was paying off now as she walked down, cheered by the crowd who had made up their minds about her before the match even started.

"She looks good" started playing, and Eve Torres stood at the top of the stage while she was being introduced, striking her signature pose and giving the audience, and the camera a huge smile. She walked down the ramp confident, like one who knows the path leading to their own home. She let the arena adore her without giving anything back, she ignored the fans trying to make contact with her and continued on her way. She climbed up into the ring and smiled a confident smile at her opponent.

They were both smiling through the match, enjoying the competition they provided for each other. They exchanged locks through the first half, focusing on mat-based movements and as the crowd started to get behind them everytime more, chanting for one and then the other with an equal division, they took to the high-rent territory. Moonsaults were exchanged, both competitors showing off their athletic abilities until Eve got the upper hand and managed to pin Brandi.

The bout didn't end on a bad note, however, they shook hands and raised each other's arm. The crowd didn't quite know what to make of the strange respect between two very dangerous women, but the match they'd just witnessed was good, and they were excited about the unusual display of sportsmanship. 

Louden came back, looking just as confused as the crowd sounded. Once he made it in the ring, he raised the mic up to speak, seemed unsure of what to say for a moment then just shrugged.

Let's hear it for the most respectful match we'll ever see from either of those competitors in ever again!

There were cheers and laughs from the fans and Louden moved from one turnbuckle to walk around the ring.

Alright! Next up, we have something that could be considered a dream match by many... Especially by one of the wrestlers you're about to see. Here we go!

He barely beat the entrance music by sliding out of the ring, showing again how back-to-back packed the show was.

Mike Quackenbush vs Minoru Suzuki

Suzuki came down the ramp without preamble, making his way inside the ring as menacingly as always, the towel on his head obscuring his face until he saw fit to remove it, once inside the squared circle. He spiked the back of his hair and waited for the other man with unnerving patience.

Tears for fears' "Break It Down Again" started playing, and just as the drumming started, there were lightning bolts running across the surround screens of the arena, and Mike Quackenbush came out with a long coat. His entrance always stoic and fast, despite the chants he got from the people in attendance. He ran inside the ring, climbed on to the turnbuckle and hopped back down, discarding his coat, nodding respectfully at his opponent.

Once they'd paid their respects to each other, the match started the way one would expect. A technical exchange of complex locks and counters, every single one executed perfectly. When there seemed to be no way out, they'd find it, and every escape took a bit out of the competitors. Suzuki's demeanor changed little by little with each hold. The moment when Quackenbush escaped the Manji Gatame marked a very drastic change in the pace of the match.

Suzuki's moves became more erratic, less chess-like and far more destruction oriented. He turned to dropkicks, penalty kicks and chops to keep the master of a thousand holds as far from the ropes as possible, as busy as he could defending himself to give him no time to think about an offensive strategy.

The comeback came, and it was Mike's turn to deliver. He attempted every version of the Lightning Lock, every Quackendriver, and for each one he managed to apply, there was a counter and one more attack on his back.

Both opponents were exhausted, their limbs tingly with the effort, but in the end, Minoru's Gotch Piledriver set the final note for Quackenbush.

Louden left commentary, almost taking too long because he was still talking about the match that had just concluded. He pushed back from his chair and pulled himself into the ring, already looking tired.

That was one for the scrapbooks, wasn't it Flockers?

He looked tired already.

And now time for what would have been our main event but is instead only the last match before intermission because our booker is a madman, the match that will make sure none of us ever have insurance again!

He raised the mic again and leaned back on the ropes before rolling to the outside.

Madison Eagles vs Jimmy Havoc (Deathmatch)

Jimmy Havoc came out slowly, biding his time and waiting for the right moment during Silent Descent's Psychotic Euphoric to walk down the ramp. His red jacket moved behind him, and his long figure spilling in shadows, framed by the eerie red lights on the floor. The shadows flipped to his back as he moved and the lighting switched, letting his shadow linger behind him as he stepped inside the ring.

The opening of Prelude 12/21 hit the speakers, surrounding the arena, as Madison Eagles arrived through the curtain. A smug and arrogant smile on her face that didn't do anything to get the fans on her side anymore. Madison just gave a few members of the crowd the middle finger and crotch chopped a few others while she made her way down the ramp before sliding into the ring. She was excited to finally get into a one on one match.

Havoc didn't wait for the bell to ring, or for his opponent to go anywhere near him. He slid right out of the ring and tossed a few steel chairs inside the blank canvas, since the whole cover had been removed specifically in anticipation of what was to come. He gathered his supplies and brought in a bag of drawing pins inside with him as he rolled back in.

The chairs were quickly put to good use when Madison greeted him with one right on the stomach, and then the back. That set the entire mood of the match and it didn't stop until the end. 

Havoc suffered a powerbomb onto thumbtacks, Madison received two paper cuts, one on the webbing of the fingers and one across the corners of her mouth, lemon was applied to the wounds of both competitors, and Havoc was the first one to see red when Eagles shoved him against the bare turnbuckle, his head bleeding profusely, so much so that it became difficult for him to find her when he stapled her head, and subsequently, her shoulder.

As soon as Madison rolled out, pushing her bloodied hair away from her face to bring in a kendo stick, the battle seemed to be taking a side. Jimmy was punished relentlessly with it, and as he'd landed on a barbwire board, Madison capped it off by pinning him after a Soaring Eagles over the board.

She left shortly after and was met by a doctor at the top of the ramp, while Havoc rolled out of the ring on his own, shoving past some of the ring crew and walking up to the commentary table to use the microphone, leaving drops of blood over it. "I'm done."

With that, he stormed past the people who were trying to help him walk and stormed out of the arena.

The crowd was alive during intermission, buying merchandise, talking excitedly and taking care of their basic needs while the ring crew worked hurriedly to change the ring apron. As soon as the cover was back in place, Louden could be seen leaning against one of the turnbuckles taking a long sip of water.

The suited figure stood upright again after the red and orange lights flashed to indicate everyone should be returning to their seats and it had been announced over the sound system.

Look alive, people, we still have half a show to go! Boy, are you all getting your money's worth tonight! So how do you feel about seeing your very first PCW deathmatch?!

He was back to drumming up the crowd and was met by overwhelming cheers.

Let's hope it's one of very few. I'm still picking up thumbtacks. The next match features one of this month's TWA guest stars and one of the Rapscallion's. Let's hear some noise!

He mimicked a drumroll on the turnbuckle before he hopped back out of the ring and took his place back at the edge of the commentary table.

Diego Alvarez vs Buddy Murphy

A Bass Renaissance filled the air to announce the arrival of Buddy Murphy in a very ominous way. The 5'11" Australian came down the ramp, flanked by Mick Moretti, the leader of the Rapscallion's Rebellion, who accompanied him to the ring and let him do his entrance, stopping at Murphy's corner only when he was face to face with his opponent.

Juan Gabriel's "La Frontera" started playing, and a good portion of the crowd went insane at it, some were dancing, others were just clapping or whistling. Diego Alvarez stepped out and courteously tipped his hat, making his way down the ramp, shaking hands with those who asked for it. They were very excited to see the two-time TWA tag team champion and former Grand Champion show up in their territory, and it showed. 

Buddy and Moretti had been exchanging words at ringside, paying special attention to the crowd's reactions. From Mick's grin, this seemed to be a perfect platform for their plans.

Buddy jumped right to attack Diego from the very start, while Moretti watched from the sidelines, still smiling and urging his compatriot to do more, to go further. A win over a TWA champion would mean so much for their movement. Murphy soon learned that Alvarez didn't hold a title thanks to anything other than his ability.

Once Buddy was on the floor, taken down by a clothesline, The Lord of the Skies honored his nickname by using one of the moves he'd practised recently, taking to the top turnbuckle to perform a moonsault. The crowd roared, amazed at how he was able to work his height into doing a move like that, he tried to pin the Aussie, and got only a two count.

As the match went on, the member of the Rapscallion's Rebellion in the ring started focusing more on Diego's legs, trying to bring the other man down and keep him from powering through him like they'd seen him do before. At the end, Murphy's Diving Meteora, successfully gave them the victory over the Tag Champion.

Uncharacteristically for the Rebellion, they got a handshake out of Diego, who congratulated Buddy for his great performance before leaving the ring.

We're really feeling the love tonight, fans! Appropriate, isn't it?

He clapped one hand against the other even though it was holding the mic, talking as he pulled himself up onto the apron and leaned against a turnbuckle from the outside.

The next match is another unexpected singles competition set for one fall that you won't see anywhere but here at PCW!

He slid back out of the ring and took his spot in his normal seat.

Shaul Guerrero vs Jeff Cobb

Shaul Guerrero's confidence exuded through her every step as she walked with down the ramp, her hips moving with her, her charisma and flair coming into the ring with her. She waited for her opponent, but this time around she wasn't distracted by her fans, her recent word exchange with Tessa had sparked something within her, and she stretched, she jumped and she stared at the ramp, waiting for the third generation wrestler to show up.

Korn's Coming Undone started playing, and Jeff Cobb's shadow spread through the ramp like a terrifying monster, even if his attitude opposed how imposing his figure was, the audience still gave way for him. Quiet at the start and getting progressively louder as he approached the ring, the lights increasing in intensity as he moved by them. He removed his shirt once inside the ring, climbing the turnbuckle with ease and dropping to the middle of the ring.

Cobb circled the much smaller woman a few times, wondering if he was going to completely destroy her this time around or let her take the upper hand. Shaul made his decision for him and forearmed him on the neck just as he was coming back to face her. While the strength of it surprised him, it didn't move him much, and he just tilted his head to arrange his neck. The match had officially begun.

Cobb had the weight and height advantage, but couldn't exactly catch the third generation wrestler every time, like he had planned. Shaul's moves couldn't take him down with her gory bomb, as she intended from the start. Their match had a special kind of audience, when, without being announced, Tessa Blanchard came down the ramp and sat down to watch the match from ringside, smiling.

This distracted Shaul, but it wasn't enough to get her head off the game, and the match continued despite their uninvited guest. Ultimately, Cobb's power shone far more than Guerrero's speed, and after a violently executed Tour of the islands, the match was over.

Without picking a fight, Tessa stood and clapped just as Jeff was walking back up the ramp. And she continued clapping while Shaul was coming out of the daze, but left before the other woman could reach her.

This time, the spiky-haired announcer rushed to the ring, acting like he was out of breath and pulled himself into it. The crowd had not died down much at all and was still proving to be very alive. When Tessa appeared there had been gasps and chatter and there was still a lot of noise now but Louden spoke around it.

We're nearing our end here, folks! I'm happy to bring you our second-to-last match. It's a singles match set for one fall between the Rapscallion Sweetheart and our very own Princess Palmstrike!

He leaned forward on the ropes to watch the beginning of the first entrance but removed himself before either wrestler could make it to the ring.

Princess Kimber Lee vs Rhea Ripley

The first thirty seconds of 'Fighter' by Sumo Cyco began to blare throughout the arena. A few moments later, the tiny princess made her way through the curtain and out onto the ramp. A bright smile planted across her lips as she wore a tiara upon her head, a second one held in her hands. Kimber Lee made her way to the ring, smiling brightly and slapping hands with fans. Only stopping halfway around the ring spotting a small girl wearing one of her t-shirts. She gave her a tight hug, placing the extra tiara upon her head before quickly sliding into the ring and into a vertical stance. She gave a bow, smiling brightly as she awaited her opponent in a corner of the ring.

Rhea came out to a happy beat, bouncing and running down the ramp while touching hands, stopping a few seconds here and there before reaching the ring, climbing up on the apron and sliding between the ropes, climbing up on the turnbuckle to pump the already excited audience, the fans still cheering for the hyper Australian, who was accompanied by Jett Armstrong, despite her alliance to her compatriots.

The two women met in the center of the ring and Rhea held out a hand to shake the Princess'. Kimber Lee considered it for just a moment before taking the show of respect for what it was and returning the gesture. The two of them met in the center with a strong lockup.

Neither competitor was willing to release their grip but Rhea broke the hold and pushed Kimber Lee back with a kick. The matchup was close. Any time one of the women seemed to gain momentum on the other, they caught up almost just as quickly.

Rhea appeared to pull ahead and the crowd was going wild for both of them. At the top of the ramp, two members of The Rapscallion's Rebellion appeared to watch their team gain another victory. As the Australian set up for a missile dropkick, the Princess pulled her down and caught her, hitting a sudden Danger German Suplex. She pinned her in short order and before she could get up the three count was made.

Mick Moretti and Buddy Murphy did not look pleased with the outcome but they stayed where they were, even advancing part way up the ramp. Kimber Lee reached down a hand to Rhea and helped her up and they shared a short hug. The audience applauded the camaraderie and Rhea joined the other two Australians, heading to the back with them as the Princess took one more bow.

The crowd was still going crazy when Louden made it back to the center, watching where the four wrestlers had just disappeared.

I don't know what all of you think, but it looks to me like something might be brewing there. But that aside, we have reached our Main Event!

The announcement was met with hundreds of cheers, raised voices and a handful of decorated signs.

We've seen the aggression between these next two competitors bubbling up already and we're setting it to boil next, in one final singles match set for one fall!

He yelled the last word, building the excitement for the end of the show.

Jinny vs Tenille Dashwood

As "Haute Couture" started playing, the audience knew exactly what to do. While some stray fans cheered, the rest knew that Jinny was not a friend of theirs. She was there to be the best, to show people their place, she strutted her way around the ring, making the space front row her catwalk. Stepping into the ring with ease, and outstretching her arms for the world to see her in full grandeur.

Tenille Dashwood's Feedback by Janet Jackson started playing and she came out with shades, and her armor-like outfit, a t-shirt with "All about ME" written on it dangling from the back of her shorts, which she showed off by turning around and pointing at it with both fingerless-gloved hands. After turning around, she made her way down to the ring, pointing at her opponent and quickly discarding her entrance gear.

The two competitors met at the center of the ring. They'd had their exchange the week prior, and the first move was from Tenille, who forearmed Jinny right in the face just as the Couture Queen had finished talking. But Jinny's retaliation didn't wait, and soon the Aussie was thrown against the ropes where her opponent's long legs punished her repeatedly with powerful kicks.

Just as Jinny thought she had Tenille tangled on the ropes, however, she caught her with a double kick to the head, stunning the Queen and making her stagger back, giving the Australian enough time to recover and take to a set of offensive maneuvers.

Their exchanges continued equally as strong, trying to get the upper hand on the other. Tenille's kicks, Jinny's forearms and both of their technical abilities matching one by one. If Jinny hadn't been close to the ropes, Rising Tide would have given Tenille the victory, and similarly, had Tenille not had the presence of mind to duck, the first acid rainmaker attempt would have given Jinny the win.

Both wrestlers crawled their way to their knees and exchanged blows while slowly regaining their footing, all it took was a split second of doubt, where Tenille didn't move fast enough, and Jinny's acid rainmaker turned her inside-out. Even during the pinning combination, Jinny took her time to recover, breathing heavily as she was helped to her feet by the referee, to push him away right after, holding her sides from all the damage she had received, but looking down at her opponent with an unchanged expression of superiority.

Once the two women wrapped up the stunning brawl of a match and exited, Louden entered the ring for the last time of the night. He looked exhausted and let himself fall onto his back in the center of the ring, holding his mic to speak above himself.

And thus concludes our second show of the month, our Valentine show, Veterinarian's Hospital!

The crowd, in unison, began cheering: "One More Match!"

Louden sat up, looked them all over and stood, looking like he was about to announce something, even taking in a deep breath, then paused and just said "No." at a normal tone into the mic.

You've had enough for one night, folks, but we'll see you next week here again in Chicago's UIC Pavillion for Phase Nine: Talking Houses! See you then!